Candied yams or Candied Sweet Potatoes? « Inside Adams

From the Library of Congress no less:
Candied yams or Candied Sweet Potatoes? « Inside Adams:

"What we call a yam in the United States (e.g., garnet yam or jewel yam) is in fact a softer variety of sweet potatoes. True yams, native to African and Asia, are drier and starchier than sweet potatoes.

To supplement this culinary history, I needed to understand the botanical relationships between the two. Botanically, a sweet potato and a yam are both flowering plants, but that is where the similarity ends. Yams are closely related to lilies and grasses, while sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family."

Eating for Longevity: Foods for a Long, Healthy Life

Eating for Longevity: Foods for a Long, Healthy Life:

"A growing body of findings suggests that diet is one of the important contributors to longevity and a healthy life. WebMD examined the research and talked to the experts. Here’s what’s on the menu of people who enjoy long and healthy lives."

The entire article is here.

All the normal things on the list: fruits and vegetables, nuts, berries, etc. Good advice!

Calorie culprit might be home cooking

Calorie culprit might be home cooking:

"The study looked at 18 recipes that have stayed basically the same over the past 70 years. Among the recipes were holiday staples like apple pie and sugar cookies. Calories increased for all but one of those recipes - chili con carne. Some of the recipes called for more fat and sugar than the 1936 originals, but in almost all cases, calories increased simply because the serving sizes were larger."

Taste, do not gorge. Or as the saying goes "a polite bite".

Jeff Galloway's Blog

Jeff Galloway's Blog:

"It's possible to keep your training on track, even with holiday distractions. Here are some tips that have helped many runners maintain conditioning even with holiday temptations. You'd be surprised, but even very short workouts on maintenance days can maintain your fitness, relieve stress, inject more energy and allow you to feel better during holiday festivities."

Alcohol consumption increases risk of breast cancer recurrence, study finds

Alcohol consumption increases risk of breast cancer recurrence, study finds:

"Moderate to heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages (at least three to four drinks per week) is associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.... Drinking less than three drinks per week was not associated with an increased risk...Previous research has shown that consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but there are limited studies to date about alcohol's role in patient prognosis and survival among those already diagnosed with breast cancer.."

Diet Myth or Truth: Fasting Is Effective for Weight Loss

Diet Myth or Truth: Fasting Is Effective for Weight Loss:

"It's true that fasting -- that is, eating little to no food -- will result in weight loss, at least in the short term. But the risks far outweigh any benefits, and ultimately, fasting can cause more harm than good."

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

As I sit eating Portabella mushrooms I decided I should probably see if there is any news on mushrooms. And hat do you know, they seem to be good for you!

Health Benefits of Mushrooms:

"Mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. One medium portabella mushroom has even more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice. One serving of mushrooms also provides about 20 to 40 percent of the daily value of copper, a mineral that has cardioprotective properties.

Mushrooms are a rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Male health professionals who consumed twice the recommended daily intake of selenium cut their risk of prostate cancer by 65 percent."

Smoking costs final on Vimeo

The beginning is ok, the end sort of weak.

Smoking costs final on Vimeo:

"Professor Kenneth A. Perkins, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, delves into the behavioral economics of cigarettes, with video collected by Marketplace's Tim Werth"

Smoking costs final from Marketplace on Vimeo.

Is Folic acid dangerous? Maybe. Definitely worth more study!

Folic Acid Supplementation has had a rough few months.

A sampling of the newest research:

From today's NY Times:
"Vital Signs - Study Raises Cancer Concerns in Big Doses of Folic Acid - NYTimes.com:

"The latest study, published in the Nov. 18 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, monitored the same patients through 2007. It found that 10 percent of patients who had been treated with folic acid and vitamin B 12 had developed cancer, compared with 8.4 percent of those who had not received the treatment, an increased risk of 21 percent.""

This was also reported in the LA Times:

Folic acid and cancer: New data might add to suspicion or, better, to discussion | Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times: "

Researchers in Norway analyzed data from 6,837 people with ischemic heart disease treated with folic acid, B6 and B12; folic acid and B12; just B6 or a placebo. Those treated with folic acid and B12 had higher rates of cancer, cancer deaths and deaths in general over the course of several years. Lung cancer contributed significantly to the cancer numbers."

The actual paper is from the Journal of American Medical Association:

"....Conclusion Treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B₁₂ was associated with increased cancer outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease in Norway"

Dr. Furhman goes further referring to previous studies (smaller) that also found a relationship with folic acid and cancer. Furhman makes major efforts to say that these findings are based on synthetic folic acid and not folates in fruits and vegetables.

"Paradoxically, in people who do not take folic acid supplements there is inverse relationship between dietary folate intake and breast and prostate cancer.^14,3 Folate is an essential nutrient with vital functions. It is probable that folate levels need to be tightly regulated by the body – that the timing and dose of folate is an important determinant of whether folate has positive or negative effects. Folate's actions on DNA may prevent cancer from initiating, but may also promote the proliferation of tumor cells that may already present.¹⁵ Luckily, getting our folate exclusively from food ensures that we do not get too much. It comes naturally packaged in balance with other micronutrients and the body regulates its absorption.^9"

If that were not enough,, there is also evidence that excess folic acid during the latter part of pregnancy may lead to increase asthma risk: MedGuru citing an article in the Journal of Epidemiolgy reports that

"The researchers found that women who took folic acid supplements between 16 to 30 weeks of the pregnancy were 30 percent more likely to give birth to a child who could develop breathing problem like asthma by the time he reaches three years of age.

On the other hand, women who took the folic acid supplements prior to conception or just few weeks after conception had no such risk."

So what to do? Given the numerous tests have shown a reduction of birth defects from folic acid and those in the cancer studies were taking larger than recommended doses. As the Guardian concludes:

"If you're thinking of having a baby or are already pregnant, it's recommended that you take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, from the time you stop using contraception until week 12 of your pregnancy. In the study, the people who developed cancer had been taking double this dose for several years.

Even so, the supplements used in the study were within the supposedly safe limit for folic acid, which was thought to be around 1,000 micrograms per day. Most people get less than this. A typical British person probably gets around 302 micrograms a day, including natural folate from vegetables, and from folic acid added to foods like breakfast cereals."

Thus, I would definitely suggest asking your doctor about it one way or the other and be sure to mention these recent studies, (S)he may not have seen them yet.

PSA: Smoking is so bad it voids your computer warranty : Christopher Null : Yahoo! Tech

Yet another reason to not smoke!

PSA: Smoking is so bad it voids your computer warranty : Christopher Null : Yahoo! Tech:

"Lighting up near your computer is heresy enough that Apple says it voids your warranty should you need to bring a smoke-exposed computer in for repair.

Specifically, in at least two instances in different parts of the country, Apple has voided the warranty and refused to provide repair service on Macintosh computers exposed to environments where cigarette smoke has been present. Calling cigarette smoke residue (tar and whatnot) inside a computer a health risk and a 'biohazard,' in both cases Apple customers have been denied service despite having time left on a valid warranty."

Personal Health - Exploring a Low-Acid Regimen for Bone Health - NYTimes.com

This article from the NY Times asks some important questions. And reminds us all how little we really know.

Personal Health - Exploring a Low-Acid Regimen for Bone Health - NYTimes.com:

"Why, in Western countries that consume the most dairy foods, are rates of osteoporotic fractures among the highest in the world? And why has no consistent link been found between the amount of calcium people consume and protection against osteoporosis?...An alternative theory of bone health may — or may not — explain these apparent contradictions. It is the theory of low-acid eating, a diet laden with fruits and vegetables but relatively low in acid-producing protein and moderate in cereal grains. Its proponents suggest that this menu plan could lead to stronger bones than the typical American diet"

New type of "stuffing" /Dressing

I as talking about this last night at the Allegany Store. Carmichael is Lance Armstrong's coach.

Carmichael Training Systems: Cook it Up:

"Being an endurance athlete is all about getting more out of your body, more out of your life, and more out of just about everything. So we applied that 'get more out of it' philosophy to stuffing! Try this delicious modification to your typical stuffing for a healthy and tasty treat this holiday season. We've added carrot, apple, and green pepper, not only for some additional nutrients, but also for some crunch and taste."

Holiday meals and dog safety

Pedigree:

"Thanksgiving meals may have all your favorites, but imagine what can happen to your dog if he chows down on mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Keep in mind that the potential risks of feeding him Thanksgiving leftovers far outweigh his momentary delight. A little restraint and a yummy chew toy will keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving and for many holidays to come."

Great American Smokeout '09: Time to Quit - US News and World Report

Great American Smokeout '09: Time to Quit - US News and World Report:

"Research shows that smokers who quit at age 35 gain an average of eight years of life expectancy, and those who quit at 55 gain about five years. Even long-time smokers who quit at age 65 gain three years.

Smokers who quit before age 50 cut their risk of death within the next 15 years in half compared to people who continue to smoke. In addition, a former smoker's lung cancer risk 10 years after quitting smoking is about half that of someone who still smokes, the society said."

Time: Heart disease in Mummies? wow...

From TIME http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/11/18/mummies-offer-clues-about-the-history-of-heart-disease/:

"'We were struck by the similar appearance of vascular calcification in the mummies and our present-day patients,' said another researcher, Dr. Michael Miyamoto of the University of California at San Diego. 'Perhaps the development of atherosclerosis is a part of being human.'....rich people ate meat, and they did salt meat, so maybe they had hypertension (high blood pressure), but that's speculation,' Thomps"

NPR: dont_mix_plavix_and_prilosec.html?ft=1&f=103537970

- dont_mix_plavix_and_prilosec:

"FDA recommends that people on Plavix who also need something to fight heartburn take a different kind of medicine to reduce stomach acid, such as Maalox, Zantac or Pepcid.

One caveat: don't substitute Tagamet, which also seems to interfere with the critical enzyme and could reduce Plavix's effectiveness"

U.S. Smoking Rate Rises Slightly - WSJ.com

As most of you know, our Allegany Store is in midst of phasing out the sale of cigarettes. We have concluded that the lost profits (and tobacco is profitable) is not worth the harm it does to the smokers. And while we respect your freedom to smoke, if we can nudge you away from smoking it means we get to have you as a customer for a longer time. Which is a win win :)

U.S. Smoking Rate Rises Slightly - WSJ.com:

"A little under 21% of Americans were current cigarette smokers, according to a 2008 national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A year earlier, 19.8% said they were smoking. It also is the first increase in adult smoking since 1994, experts noted."

Vital Signs - Study Suggests Skim Milk With Cocoa May Reduce Inflammation - NYTimes.com

well,maybe...

Vital Signs - Study Suggests Skim Milk With Cocoa May Reduce Inflammation - NYTimes.com:

"A new study suggests that regular consumption of skim milk with flavonoid-rich cocoa may reduce inflammation, potentially slowing or preventing development of atherosclerosis"

5 Heart-Healthy Foods from WebMD

Frozen blueberries are great in many dishes from smoothies to pancakes.

5 Heart-Healthy Foods:

"Where to start? Add these five 'super-foods' to boost nutritional goodness while eating your way to a healthier heart.
Blueberries

Blueberries top the list as one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods"

Kicking the Habit for Your Pet - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

Kicking the Habit for Your Pet - Well Blog - NYTimes.com:

"Studies show that smoking poses a significant health threat to dogs, cats and birds who inhale secondhand smoke. A study at Tufts College of Veterinary Medicine found a higher rate of mouth cancer in cats who live with smokers. Cats are particularly vulnerable because carcinogenic compounds in smoke settle on their fur, which then are ingested by the cat when it grooms. A smoker’s cat is also twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma than a cat that lives with non-smokers.

Dogs who live with smokers are more likely to develop cancers in the nose and sinuses, according to a study at Colorado State University. Long-nosed dog breeds were at highest risk. Dogs with short or medium-length noses showed higher rates of lung cancer."

Phys Ed: The Best Exercises for Healthy Bones - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

Phys Ed: The Best Exercises for Healthy Bones - Well Blog - NYTimes.com:

"In the meantime, the current state-of-the-science message about exercise and bone building may be that, silly as it sounds, the best exercise is to simply jump up and down, for as long as the downstairs neighbor will tolerate. “Jumping is great, if your bones are strong enough to begin with,” Dr. Barry says. “You probably don’t need to do a lot either.” (If you have any history of fractures or a family history of osteoporosis, check with a physician before jumping.) In studies in Japan, having mice jump up and land 40 times during a week increased their bone density significantly after 24 weeks, a gain they maintained by hopping up and down only about 20 or 30 times each week after that.

If hopping seems an undignified exercise regimen, bear in mind that it has one additional benefit: It tends to aid in balance, which may be as important as bone strength in keeping fractures at bay. Most of the time, Dr. Barry says, “fragile bones don’t matter, from a clinical standpoint, if you don’t fall down.”"

The French Women Don't Get Fat Diet

From Web MD: The French Women Don't Get Fat Diet:

"The basic premise of French Women Don't Get Fat is that you should eat only good food of very high quality, eat it in small portions, and savor every bite.

From chocolate to champagne, eat slowly, with all your senses, and make every dining experience pleasurable so you will be satisfied with smaller portions of delicious food. No food is off limits, only large portions."

StillTasty

StillTasty - Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide - Save Money, Eat Better, Help the Environment....

Using reliable sources, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, StillTasty offers a very user friendly guide to all kinds of food questions...

- Is it OK to put hot food directly into the refrigerator?

- How should I safely defrost fish?

- How can I make bananas ripen more slowly?

Find out if you should "keep it" or "toss it", view commonly asked questions, and more.

Processed food link to depression: research - Yahoo! News

Processed food link to depression: research - Yahoo! News:

"A diet heavy in processed and fatty foods increases the risk of depression, according to British research published on Monday.

Researchers at University College London also found that a diet including plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish could help prevent the onset of depression."

‘Smart Choices’ Food Labeling Loses Support - NYTimes.com

good news!

‘Smart Choices’ Food Labeling Loses Support - NYTimes.com:

"Officials with the program said that Smart Choices would suspend most of its operations while they waited for the Food and Drug Administration to devise regulations for package-front nutrition labeling. Those rules could differ from the program’s criteria."

All cereals are not created equal

HealthNewsDigest.com:

"The least healthy breakfast cereals are those most frequently and aggressively marketed directly to children as young as age two, finds a new study from Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. The researchers’ evaluation of cereal marketing, the first such study of its kind....Researchers studied the nutrient composition and comprehensive marketing efforts of 115 cereal brands and 277 individual cereal varieties. Nineteen brands (comprised of 47 varieties) were identified as “child brands” because their cereals are marketed directly to children on television, the Internet, or through licensed characters, such as Dora the Explorer."

PS advice: oatmeal (and not the sugary instant stuff) with fruit and nuts.

wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | NY Deposits On Bottled Water Take Effect Oct. 31

wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | NY Deposits On Bottled Water Take Effect Oct. 31:

"Nickel deposits will be imposed on bottled water in New York state starting Oct. 31. after U.S. District Judge Deborah Batts issued an order lifting an injunction on the deposits.

All containers of water under a gallon will have a 5-cent refundable deposit, as beer and soda containers have for years."

Leading the Way...

Leading The Way: Olean grocer honored for hiring practices

From today's Olean Times Herald... We are very honored to receive this award!!


For 20 years, Park and Shop Service Stores have been recognized as an area business that people with developmental disabilities can go to as an entry-level employer. So much so, they have won the regional honor of the New York State Rehabilitation Association 2009 Buffalo Regional Corporate Business Award.

“It’s a nice honor to have,” Thomas Mahar, Park and Shop’s secretary and controller, said. “We have worked with many employees through The ReHabilitation Center. It is an honor.”

Information in the recommendation form for the stores shows that the honor comes from both ends of the relationship.

“They are well-regarded as customer-friendly, family-owned neighborhood grocery stores,” the recommendation form reads.

“The key word in their name is ‘service,’” it continues. “They built their business on this single principle, which is maintained to this day in the tradition inherited from their father. Their relationship with (The ReHabilitation Center) is a prime example of this commitment to the community.”

Started 86 years ago, when 18-year-old Fran Mahar opened his first grocery store in Olean, the mission of service has followed the organization through to the present day, Nancy Miller, director of vocational rehabilitation said."

Read the rest of the article here...

New Affordable Nutrition Index is First Measurement Tool to Evaluate Affordable Nutrition | Reuters

New Affordable Nutrition Index is First Measurement Tool to Evaluate Affordable Nutrition | Reuters:

"DENVER--(Business Wire)-- A new food rating system that analyzes both nutrition and cost value of food may now make it easier for people to find budget-friendly, nutritious foods in today`s tough economy. The Affordable Nutrition Index (ANI), unveiled today at the American Dietetic Association`s Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo by leading nutrition expert Adam Drewnowski, PhD, professor at the University of Washington, is the first and only tool that assesses food`s nutritional profile and cost value to create a nutrition-value-per-dollar score."

and later:

"Among the specific findings:

* Carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli were at the top of the ANI scale; oranges
and bananas were the top-scoring fruits in the index.
....
* Other fresh or cooked vegetables (peas, string beans, squash, lettuce) and
fresh fruits (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, nectarines,
apples) were also highly ranked."

Soups (especially reduced sodium varieties were among the highest processed foods.

Drinking Your Way to Health? Perhaps Not - Yahoo! News

Drinking Your Way to Health? Perhaps Not - Yahoo! News:

"Experts with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association say that though these studies do show some benefits to moderate drinking, the health risks from alcohol consumption far outweigh the potential rewards."

For Older Adults, Good Nutrition and Exercise Are Key To Staying Healthy & Active | Reuters

For Older Adults, Good Nutrition and Exercise Are Key To Staying Healthy & Active | Reuters:

"This new research confirms that good nutrition and exercise are a vital part of staying healthy and feeling young - especially for older adults,' said Dr. Franco, whose previous research in nutrition and aging supports BeneVia's unique nutritional value. 'Staying healthy is a lifelong process that includes optimal nutrition and exercise, which can help maintain a healthy weight profile and prolong life expectancy.'"

Green tea may curb risk of some cancers - Yahoo! News

Green tea may curb risk of some cancers - Yahoo! News:

"Drinking green tea may lower your risk of developing certain blood cancers, but it will take about 5 cups a day, according to a study from Japan.

Drinking green tea has been associated with lower risk of dying and heart disease deaths, Dr. Toru Naganuma, at Tohoku University School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan told Reuters Health in an email correspondence."

The Food Issue - Michael Pollan's Favorite Food Rules - NYTimes.com

The Food Issue - Michael Pollan's Favorite Food Rules - NYTimes.com: "

Deciding what to eat, indeed deciding what qualifies as food, is not easy in such an environment. When Froot Loops can earn a Smart Choices check mark, a new industrywide label that indicates a product’s supposed healthfulness, we know we can’t rely on the marketers, with their dubious health claims, or for that matter on the academic nutritionists who collaborate on such labeling schemes"

Whole grains may help keep blood pressure in check - Yahoo! News

Whole grains may help keep blood pressure in check - Yahoo! News:

"Eating lots of whole grains could ward off high blood pressure, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In the study, men with the highest whole-grain consumption were 19 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than men who ate the least amount of whole grains."

For more on whole grains see this link from ScienceDaily.

Be wary of B vitamins for heart health - The Globe and Mail

Be wary of B vitamins for heart health - The Globe and Mail:

"In a review of eight trials involving 24,210 people, not one study supported the notion that taking B vitamins prevents heart disease. When analyzed together, the data showed that B vitamin pills were no better than placebos at guarding against heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease.

The new study was led by Venezuelan researcher Arturo Marti-Carvajal of the Cochrane Network, an international body that performs systematic reviews of medical research"

BBC NEWS | Health | Med-style diet battles 'blues'

BBC NEWS | Health | Med-style diet battles 'blues':

"The Mediterranean diet, already thought to protect against heart disease and cancer, may also help to prevent depression, Spanish researchers say.

They found depression was more than 30% less likely to develop in people who followed a diet high in vegetables, fruit and cereals, and low in red meat."

I guess if you feel good, you are less likely to be depressed, so not sure if this should be too surprising, but its confirmation is assuring.

Study Finds Fish Won't Prevent Heart Failure - Yahoo! News

Study Finds Fish Won't Prevent Heart Failure - Yahoo! News:

"...eating fish does appear to help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular disease, a new Dutch study finds it doesn't seem to guard against the development of heart failure.

Heart failure is a degenerative condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle people are living longer with it. In fact, some 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure, and 670,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, according to the American Heart Association."

Decrease Your Cancer Risk With Dark Chocolate | LIVESTRONG.COM

Decrease Your Cancer Risk With Dark Chocolate | LIVESTRONG.COM:

"To get the maximum benefits of chocolate, eat 1 to 2 oz. per day and choose dark chocolate, preferably one that is made of 65 percent cocoa. The reason? Chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are an extremely high source of antioxidants. Therefore, the higher the concentration of cocoa in the chocolate, the bigger antioxidant punch you'll get.

The Darker, the Better"

Swine flu spreads long after fever has stopped | Seattle Times Newspaper

Uh, oh...

Health | Studies: Swine flu spreads long after fever has stopped | Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Doctors know that people can spread ordinary seasonal flu for a couple of days before and after symptoms start by studying the virus that patients shed in mucus. The first such studies of swine flu are just coming out now, and they imply a longer contagious period for the bug.

In addition to the Canadian study, Dr. David C. Lye at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore found that 80 percent of patients had it five days after symptoms began, and 40 percent seven days after. Some still harbored virus as long as 16 days later."

Newsom wants to charge stores that sell sodas

Newsom wants to charge stores that sell sodas:

"Calling soda the new tobacco, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will introduce legislation this fall that would charge a fee to retailers that sell sugary beverages."

Where does it stop?

Hand-Washing Is No Defense Against Swine Flu | Newsweek Health | Newsweek.com

StumbleUpon WebToolbar - Hand-Washing Is No Defense Against Swine Flu | Newsweek Health | Newsweek.com:

"There is virtually no evidence that people can catch the influenza virus from germs that they pick up on their hands, according to Arthur Reingold, head of epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley, and codirector of the CDC-funded California Emerging Infections Program. Instead, humans are most likely to catch influenza by breathing in microscopic particles exhaled by infected people.

Reingold and other epidemiologists don't discount hand-washing as an important tool in public health: there is plenty of evidence that it prevents other nasty bugs, including the common cold, many respiratory infections, and viruses that cause diarrhea. But Reingold is bothered by the lack of science supporting the CDC's message, and he worries that the emphasis on a simple measure like hand-washing creates a false sense of security from H1N1 and tamps down the discussion of more difficult preventive measures."

WOW. I did not know that.

History in the News: Gladiators Were Vegetarians

History in the News: Gladiators Were Vegetarians:

"A 200-square-foot plot of land in the city of Ephesus (now in western Turkey), alongside the road that originally led from the city centre to the Temple of Artemis, is the world’s only known gladiator graveyard. The plot contains the bodies of just over 60 gladiators. Karl Grossschmidt, a paleo-pathologist from the Medical University of Vienna, recently led a research project about gladiator life, the diets of gladiators and the causes of their deaths. Scientists carried out isotopic analyses of bone fragments from the graveyard, measuring trace chemical elements such as calcium, strontium and zinc. The results of the study were reported in an article by Andrew Curry published in the November/December issue of Archaeology magazine (a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America).

"

Put all that low-cal, high-nutrition zucchini to work | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com

Put all that low-cal, high-nutrition zucchini to work | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com:

"The zucchini we enjoy today was developed in Italy and is a member of the cucumber and melon family. Zucchini's principal nutritional attribute is its low calorie content.

Because this summer squash is more than 95% water, it has just 19 calories per cup. Zucchini provides a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium and magnesium -- all nutrients that appear beneficial in lowering the risk of high blood pressure."

How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acid Do We Need To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?

How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acid Do We Need To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?:

"A team of French scientists have found the dose of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that is 'just right' for preventing cardiovascular disease in healthy men. In a research report appearing in the September 2009 print issue of The FASEB Journal, the scientists show that a 200 mg dose of DHA per day is enough to affect biochemical markers that reliably predict cardiovascular problems, such as those related to aging, atherosclerosis, and diabetes"

Mediterranean Diet Tops Low-Fat Regimen in Study of Diabetics - Bloomberg.com

Mediterranean Diet Tops Low-Fat Regimen in Study of Diabetics - Bloomberg.com:

"Newly diagnosed diabetics who were overweight better managed their disease by eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, fruits and vegetables instead of one low in fat, an Italian study found.

The proportion of those on the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet who needed diabetes medicine after four years was 44 percent compared with 70 percent for the low-fat regimen,"

How to Walk Off 5 Times More Belly Fat | Active.com

Don't have time to workout? That may not be a problem, just workout harder.

How to Walk Off 5 Times More Belly Fat | Active.com:

"Researchers from the University of Virginia found that women who did three shorter, fast-paced walks a week (plus two longer, moderate-paced ones) lost 5 times more abdominal fat than those who simply strolled at a moderate speed 5 days a week, even though both groups burned exactly the same number of calories (400) per workout"

Low-carb Diets Linked To Atherosclerosis And Impaired Blood Vessel Growth

Can not say I am surprised, but with many of you on low carb diets this is important!

Low-carb Diets Linked To Atherosclerosis And Impaired Blood Vessel Growth:

"...mice placed on a 12-week low carbohydrate/high-protein diet showed a significant increase in atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the heart's arteries and a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. The findings also showed that the diet led to an impaired ability to form new blood vessels in tissues deprived of blood flow, as might occur during a heart attack."

Heart Association Wants You To Cut Out Most Sugar - ABC News

Heart Association Wants You To Cut Out Most Sugar - ABC News:

"...the American Heart Association (AHA) wants the average American to take a break from this love affair. Under new recommendations the AHA advises women eat no more than about six teaspoons every day in added sugars and men eat no more than 10 teaspoons.

If Americans followed the guidelines, the average person would cut their added sugar consumption by more than 70 percent."

BTW there is a cool video that is also available in the story. It shows how much sugar is in various items.

Livestrong Day Bake Sale

As part of the Livestrong Days' (October 2-3) BonaResponds Work Day and Bake Sale, Park and Shop has agreed to both host a part of the bake sale and also sell specially packaged baking items that will be perfect for the bake sale.


With each package, you will get 2 foil pans, and two items to cook. This was you can cook one for yourself and donate one to the bake sale.

In addition, in the package will be a flier/brochure with information on Livestrong and BonaResponds. Look for these package at all Park and Shops in the weeks leading up to Livestrong Day!


Cross Posted on BonaResponds and ParkandShop Blogs

Back to school nutrition tips

Back to school nutrition tips:

"Studies show people who eat breakfast have more strength and endurance, concentrate better, solve problems more easily and maintain their weight better. Everyone is rushed in the morning, but even a quick bite is better than nothing - a piece of toast, fruit or yogurt are all great choices. For healthy quick breakfast ideas visit the Mayo Clinic."

5 Tips to Speed Up Your Metabolism | Active.com

5 Tips to Speed Up Your Metabolism | Active.com:

"John Berardi, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., author of The Metabolism Advantage. 'You can't affect how many calories it takes to keep your heart beating, but you can burn an extra 500 to 600 calories a day by exercising properly and eating right.' And by making a few changes to your routine."

Full fat salad dressing is better for you than low-fat or non-fat

Full fat salad dressing is better for you than low-fat or non-fat:

"“According to Dr. Willett, studies dating back to before 1990 had already established that total fat intake is not relevant and not associated with coronary heart disease. However, the type of fatty acids in the diet did matter,....How do you win?” asks Dr. Willett. “You win by replacing the bad fats (saturated and much more so, trans fats) with the good fats.” So, as long as your full fat salad dressing is made without trans fats or partially hydrogenated fats and contains only monounsaturated fats (e.g., olive, canola or peanut oil) or polyunsaturated fats (e.g., corn, soybean and safflower oil), go for it with lots of salad and vegetables and without lots of guilt."

Time to blow our own horn!

Today the Park and Shops were honored by the Rehab Center:

"The Rehab Center is please to acknowledge Service Store Park and Shop for having been selected as the recipient of the NYSRA 2009 Buffalo Regional Corporate Business Award.

Our agency nominated you for your strong commitment to the employment of people with disabilities and for supporting their unique challenges.

Thank you and Congratulations!!

Jim Bellanca and Russ Hahn"

What You Eat Depends On With Whom You Eat

What You Eat Depends On With Whom You Eat:

"...women who ate with a male companion chose foods of significantly lower caloric value than did women who were observed eating with another woman.

What's more, when women ate in mixed-gender groups their food choices were at the lower end of the caloric scale; the more men in the group the fewer the calories. When women ate in all-female groups, their food was significantly higher in calories."

mmm....behavioral eating?

White Tea Could Keep You Healthy And Looking Young

White Tea Could Keep You Healthy And Looking Young:

"The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers as well as wrinkles.”

Eight of the other plants and herbs analysed also helped protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen"

Aspirin Seen Aiding Colorectal Cancer Patients - NYTimes.com

Aspirin Seen Aiding Colorectal Cancer Patients - NYTimes.com:

"It has long been known that people who took aspirin regularly were less likely to develop tumors of the colon, and now a study has found that even after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, patients who took aspirin had a much better chance of surviving than non-users."

One warning: too much is not good for you. SO be careful. And ask your doctor.

Lower your risk for Alzheimers Disease | WIVB.com

Lower your risk for Alzheimers Disease | WIVB.com:

"They discovered that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and higher physical activity both were associated with a substantially decreased risk of Alzheimer's Disease.
Alzheimer's experts are not surprised.

Doctor Linda Hershey said, 'I think there's plenty of evidence from animal models that exercise makes a difference and keeps your brain working well.'"

StumbleUpon WebToolbar - Fat-Bellied Monkeys Suggest Why Stress Sucks - TIME

Another reason to not let things stress you out.

StumbleUpon WebToolbar - Fat-Bellied Monkeys Suggest Why Stress Sucks - TIME:

"Researchers believe this abdominal fat lodges deep within visceral organs, such as the heart, liver and blood vessels, and may be an indicator of increased heart attack risk. In a study of 42 female monkeys, the scientists found that those with the most social stress — in the monkeys' case, that meant being at the bottom of the social hierarchy — packed away the most fat around the middle."

Better eyesight through proper nutrition

So I guess you better eat your carrots! (and other veggies too!)

Go Magazine - Feature Stories:

"Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration or cataracts, the two leading causes of vision loss and blindness. By eating foods rich in six nutrients -- antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc -- you can help protect your eyesight and vision.

'Basic and clinical research has shown that nutrients in eye-healthy foods can slow vision loss,' says Dr. Stuart Richer, optometrist and the American Optometric Association vision and nutrition expert."

Longer Life For Milk Drinkers, Study Suggests

This one surprised me.


Longer Life For Milk Drinkers, Study Suggests:

"Research undertaken by the Universities of Reading, Cardiff and Bristol has found that drinking milk can lessen the chances of dying from illnesses such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke by up to 15-20 %."

and later:

"...findings clearly show that when the numbers of deaths from CHD, stroke and colo-rectal cancer were taken into account, there is strong evidence of an overall reduction in the risk of dying from these chronic diseases due to milk consumption. We certainly found no evidence that drinking milk might increase the risk of developing any condition, with the exception of prostate cancer. Put together, there is convincing overall evidence that milk consumption is associated with an increase in survival in Western communities.”"

Regular Yoga Practice Is Associated With Mindful Eating

So it's not the calories burned when doing yoga, but the way yoga practitioners eat.


Regular Yoga Practice Is Associated With Mindful Eating:

"researchers suspected that the weight-loss effect had more to do with increased body awareness, specifically a sensitivity to hunger and satiety than the physical activity of yoga practice itself.

The follow-up study, published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, confirms their initial hunch"

and later:

"The researchers found that people who ate mindfully – those were aware of why they ate and stopped eating when full – weighed less than those who ate mindlessly, who ate when not hungry or in response to anxiety or depression. The researchers also found a strong association between yoga practice and mindful eating but found no association between other types of physical activity, such as walking or running, and mindful eating."

Mmm...wonder if yoga helps control irrationality in other ways as well. My bet is yes.

Would be interesting to see if it effects investing etc (less irrationality)

BTW ScienceDaily is so good. Go play around in it for a bit. You will definitely find fascinating articles and leave a better educated person!

Vitamin D deficiency common in U.S. children - CNN.com

Vitamin D deficiency common in U.S. children - CNN.com:

"A whopping 70 percent of American kids aren't getting enough vitamin D, and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child's risk of developing heart disease later in life, experts say."

More? How about from Wikipedia:

"The practical reality is that on average, the U.S. diet provides 100 IU/day. One problem is that much of the fortified milk is not fortified to the required amount (Vit D Dietary Reference Intakes, pp. 256-57).

Adequate Intake has been defined as 200 IU/day for ages infant to 50, 400/day for 51-70, and 600/day over 70. The 100% Daily Value used for product labels is 400 IU. The safe upper limit is set at 2000 IU. The Institute Of Medicine is revisiting vitamin D and calcium recommendations. The report is expected Spring 2010."

Of course this is the vitamin that is a balancing act. Your body can make its won if you get enough sun, but the sun can cause cancer too, so you probably want to be safe and get from other sources too.

Looking for sources of Vit D? Here are some from the National Institute of Health

Food IUs per serving* Percent DV**

Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon 1,360 340
Salmon, cooked, 3.5 ounces 360 90
Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 ounces 345 90
Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces 200 50
Sardines, canned in oil, , 1.75 ounces 250 70
Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified, 1 cup
98 25
Margarine, fortified, 1 tablespoon 60 15
Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, 0.75-1 cup
(more heavily fortified cereals might provide more of the DV)
40 10
Egg, 1 (vitamin D is found in yolk) 20 6
Liver, beef, cooked, 3.5 ounces 15 4
Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce 12 4

Are You a Nutritarian?

I learned a new word today. From Dr. Fuhrman.com

Are You a Nutritarian?:

"...a nutritarian is a person who strives for more micronutrients per calorie in their diet-style. A nutritarian understands that food has powerful disease-protecting and therapeutic effects and seeks to consume a broad array of micronutrients via their food choices. It is not sufficient to merely avoid fats, consume foods with a low glycemic index, lower the intake of animal products, or eat a diet of mostly raw foods. A truly healthy diet must be micronutrient rich and the micronutrient richness must be adjusted to meet individual needs. The foods with the highest micronutrient per calorie scores are green vegetables, colorful vegetables, and fresh fruits."

Eating High Levels Of Fructose Impairs Memory In Rats

From Science Daily which really must be a "check it every day" website. It is that good.

Eating High Levels Of Fructose Impairs Memory In Rats:

"Researchers at Georgia State University have found that diets high in fructose — a type of sugar found in most processed foods and beverages — impaired the spatial memory of adult rats...."

and later

"Fructose, unlike another sugar, glucose, is processed almost solely by the liver, and produces an excessive amount of triglycerides — fat which get into the bloodstream. Triglycerides can interfere with insulin signaling in the brain, which plays a major role in brain cell survival and plasticity, or the ability for the brain to change based on new experiences.....Although humans do not eat fructose in levels as high as rats in the experiments, the consumption of foods sweetened with fructose — which includes both common table sugar, fruit juice concentrates, as well as the much-maligned high fructose corn syrup — has been increasing steadily."

This is based on a paper by Bartness, Mielke, Ross under the leadership of Parent.

Good Fats may help you lose weight---Team Beachbody - Newsletters

It goes without saying, but make sure you aer getting "Good Fats".

Team Beachbody - Newsletters:

"In 2008, researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel found that people who followed low-fat diets lost less weight than people who followed low-carb or moderate-fat diets. The low-fat group lost an average of 6.5 pounds over 2 years, but the low-carb and moderate-fat groups lost about 10 pounds. Women did especially well on the moderate-fat diet, losing an average of 13 pounds during the study.

For weight loss, fat is important for several reasons:

* Fat helps your body control blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating carbohydrates. Better sugar metabolism means less fat storage.
* Fat slows down digestion and aids nutrient absorption. You'll stay fuller longer and get more health benefits from the food you eat.
* Essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s) may boost your metabolic rate and increase fat-burning.
* Fat tastes good. It also provides a 'mouthfeel' that is satisfying, which can help you be happy with less food."

Vegetarians Have Less Risk of Blood Cancer than Meat Eaters : Disease Proof

Vegetarians Have Less Risk of Blood Cancer than Meat Eaters : Disease Proof:

"A new study in the British Journal of Cancer, involving more than 61,000 people—meat eaters and vegetarians—revealed vegetarians and vegans had lower risk of certain types of blood cancer, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma."

Really? - The Claim - Refrigeration Preserves the Nutrients of Fruits and Vegetables. - Question - NYTimes.com

Did you know that fruits and vegetables lose their nutritional content with time. Good reason to eat it as soon as you can and to buy local.

Really? - The Claim - Refrigeration Preserves the Nutrients of Fruits and Vegetables. - Question - NYTimes.com:

"...consumers may not realize that many fruits and vegetables experience rapid losses in their nutritional value when stored for more than a few days.

In part, that is because the produce has usually already spent days in transport and on shelves before you buy it, said Barbara P. Klein, a professor of food science and human nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Once they hit the refrigerator, she added, some fruits and vegetables can lose as much as 50 percent of their vitamin C and other nutrients in the ensuing week, depending on the temperature."

4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today

From WebMD: 4 Healthy Reasons to Eat a Salad Today:

"Eating salad almost every day may be one of the most healthy eating habits you can adopt -- and one of the simplest, experts say....

Not only that, but salads are cool, crunchy, and fun to eat (lots of textures, colors, and flavors). Most people enjoy eating salads--even kids! You can customize them to include the fruits and vegetables that appeal to you the most, and whichever ones you have on hand.

Here are four health reasons to reach for a salad today:

1. Eat Salads for the Fiber....

2. Eat Salads for the Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables....

3. Eat Salads to Cut Calories and Increase Satisfaction....

4. Eat Salads to Get Smart Fats....

Good article! Pick up a salad today and everyday. You will be very glad you did!

That said, if I am eating it, please no fruit or nuts. I know I know, some people like them and they are good for you, but I will have mine separate. :)

The Minimalist - Recipes for 101 Simple Salads for the Season - NYTimes.com

From NY Times. 101 salads. Really? That is a BIG number!

The Minimalist - Recipes for 101 Simple Salads for the Season - NYTimes.com:

"101 Simple Salads for the Season"

Some cool ideas I never ever thought of, but from the Minimalist? Shouldn't that just be one salad? LOL.

UPDATED: Record Wash. cherry crop expected | The Packer

Cherries have shown the biggest increase from last year to this year. Try some, they are sweet and very good this year!

UPDATED: Record Wash. cherry crop expected | The Packer:

"A glut of cherries in Washington caused some growers to leave fruit on trees, but movement should increase and markets strengthen in the last two weeks of July, grower-shippers said.

A record Evergreen State cherry crop is expected this year, said Eric Patrick, marketing manager for Oakland, Calif.-based Grant J. Hunt Co., and Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit Co. LLC, Yakima, Wash.

Through July 20, Washington and Oregon had shipped about 11.2 million 20-pound equivalents of red cherries, up from 5.1 million last year and 7.3 million in 2007, the previous record for that time of year...."

Green Tea: Mixed Reviews For Cancer Prevention

Dare I say it was a lukewarm tea study....

Green Tea: Mixed Reviews For Cancer Prevention:

"“Despite the large number of included studies the jury still seems to be out on the question of whether green tea can in fact prevent the development of various cancer types,” said lead review author Katja Boehm, Ph.D. Since people drink varying amounts of green tea, and different types of cancers vary in how they grow, it is impossible to state definitively that green tea is “good” for cancer prevention.

“One thing is certain…green tea consumption can never account for cancer prevention alone,” said Boehm, a member of the Unconventional and Complementary Methods in Oncology Study Group in Nuremburg, Germany."

Maybe we will know soon as many studies of the benefits of tea (and in particular green tea) are in process:

"Kumar also noted that several groups are conducting randomized clinical trials, including one comprising six institutions: the Moffitt Cancer Center and the James A Haley VA Medical Center, University of Chicago, Jefferson in Philadelphia, University of Florida and Louisiana State University.

Both scientists agreed that more research is a good idea. Boehm said she highly recommends the conduction of a large, well-designed, study with adequate green tea consumption levels."

Perryman Nutrition Column: Egg Basics-Separate Fact from Fiction - News & Information - Colorado State University

Perryman Nutrition Column: Egg Basics-Separate Fact from Fiction - News & Information - Colorado State University:

"Storing eggs:
- Store eggs in their original carton to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
- Avoid storing eggs in the door of the refrigerator. The air at the door is warmer.
- Leaving eggs unrefrigerated even for short periods of time diminishes their freshness.
- Eggs retain freshness up to approximately one month after purchase and can be safely used if they've been properly refrigerated even if the sell-by date expires during this time.
- Raw egg whites will keep one week in the refrigerator and 12 months in the freezer. Egg yolks will keep 3 days in the refrigerator and 12 months in the freezer. Eggs in their shell will crack if frozen whole, and bacteria can enter into the egg through the cracks in the shell.
- You can keep a hardboiled egg in the refrigerator up to a week before using. It's preferable to store them unpeeled for optimal freshness and taste."

How to open a banana Monkey Style

Viral All-Stars on Yahoo! Video



Ok, I confess I was not sure if I should believe it or not, but here is a monkey at least opening a banana from the "other" end.

The-Daily-Record.com - Living Nutrition Raspberries: memories, flavor and nutrition

The-Daily-Record.com - Living Nutrition Raspberries: memories, flavor and nutrition:

"Raspberries are sweet, delicious, and pack a powerful nutritional punch. This makes them the perfect summertime treat. It is a smart and tasty idea to take a closer look at this fascinating berry. There are many potential health benefits from consuming raspberries; they can be used in a variety of different recipes or simply by themselves. Picking your own raspberries is a great opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and makes for great summertime memories and traditions."

If you don't have time to pick them, pick some up at one of the Park and Shops! :) Ok, I am biased. :)

Bull and Bear Markets

Well it happened again. A Bear Market. No I am not talking about finance, but grocery stores!

From Stafford County VA:

Bear Goes Grocery Shopping | Firstcoastnews.com | Strange and Unusual:

"[The bear] looked through some shopping carts and then pressed up against to glass window to see what he could get.

But he never made it into the store and left hungry."

BTDT (Been there, done that). Remember back in 2004 when the bear went shopping at our West State Street store? Here are some links to it. WIVB Olean Times Herald

So where is the Bull Market? Harken back to Late April when a Bull went shopping.

Caloric Restriction Extends Life in Monkeys, Study Finds - US News and World Report

The evidence continues to build. The best exercise may be to push yourself away from the table while still hungry.


Caloric Restriction Extends Life in Monkeys, Study Finds - US News and World Report:

"A 20-year study found that Rhesus monkeys fed a nutritious, low-calorie diet have fewer age-related diseases than counterparts on a normal diet, researchers report July 10 in Science. Also, MRIs reveal less shrinking with age in areas important for decision-making and controlling movement in the brains of calorie-restricted animals, report Ricki Colman and Richard Weindruch, both of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and colleagues.

These results show that calorie restriction helps preserve primates’ bodies and brains, says Luigi Fontana, of Washington University in St. Louis and the Italian National Health Service in Rome. Calorie restriction has already been shown to extend the lifespan of mice and dogs, as well as yeast, fruit flies and worms."

Ten simple things that can be done to combat obesity

As grocers we see the obesity problem every day as people walk by the produce and instead pick up potato chips. When they pass on the vegetable soups and get chicken wings. It saddens us. It really does.

So here is out unasked for Top Ten simple things we can do to combat obesity.

1. Eat more vegetables. Probably the most important thing. Eat more vegetables. Eat more vegetables, Eat more vegetables. You probably can not eat too many: Salads, Broccoli, Peas, Cucumbers, mushrooms, tofu, spinach, tomatoes (yeah I know a fruit, who cares), cabbage, the list goes on and on. Make sure they make up the bulk of your shopping list.
2. Eat more fruit. So many choices and all are so good. In most cases more calories than vegetables, but still much better than that fatty desert that has been tempting you. (hint: buy a Magic Bullet. Make smoothies instead of empty calories from pop, make fruit sorbets instead of fatty ice creams).
   
3. Exercise every day. We are not talking about becoming an Olympic athlete. But get out and do something. Walk, run, swim, lift, bike, take a hike, fly a kite, but get out and do something. And make sure your children do too! Not only does it burn calories, it also takes you away from the all too easy food sources. (Hint: walk instead of driving to the store--not only that, walking will limit how much you buy!)
   
4. Cut back on "eating out". Study after study shows that fast food restaurants are tied to greater levels of obesity. Try to eat the vast majority of your dinners at home. And set an example for your children (lots of fruits and vegetables, less meat, very very little fats and empty calories).
   
5. Eat as a family whenever possible. You will eat less and eat better than if you "just catch something" at a local restaurant/fast food place.
6. Try to eat the least processed food you can: fresh produce is best, frozen is good, canned fruits and vegetables are not bad, but after that so much gets added you have to watch what you eat.
   
7. Use smaller plates and chew sugarless gum. Yeah I know they are silly, but they are both really easy and fast steps that do seem to help.
8. Get so-called "good fats" via nuts and/or fish.
   
9. Eat more oatmeal. Not only is it a great way to get soluble fiber, but it is also is an easy fast way to get nuts and fruit into your diet. Added benefit: keeps you full for a long time (see next one).
   
10. Increase fiber. Beans and other legumes add fiber which keeps you full, and are generally quite low in calories. They also are a good source of protein. (Hint get a crock pot, and make your own beans. No salt and no added sugar.)
    

There you have it. Our top ten ways to combat obesity. Simple, easy, and cheap. No books or special diets needed.

Obesity in the US

We all know that obesity is a problem. In the US it is now estimated that about a third of all people are obese and even if the rate of growth has slowed, it is still amazingly sad.

How much it has grown is staggering. Click through on this map from the CDC to see how many more are obese now than were back in 1985.



We are doing it to ourselves.


One step to check (yeah bad pun) this trend locally is that schools will be tracking the problem. Which is good if something is done about it, but if not, then just wasted time and money.

From the Olean Times Herald: Fat Checking Now Required.

"By mandate from New York State’s Department of Education, members of the district’s Health Office will be collecting the body mass index of the student body.

“Obesity is a problem, but at the same time, we take on more and more responsibility for it,” district Superintendent Dr. Colleen Taggerty said. “We educate on obesity, but we also educate on eating disorders, there is a dichotomy.”

“Obesity is certainly a societal issue that we need to tackle together,” Portville Superintendent Timothy Simon said. “Like many similar issues, public schools have been asked to intervene on behalf of children to address this problem"

Face The Fats

Face The Fats:

"It's time to meet the Fats - some are bad and some are better.
According to a consumer survey conducted for the American Heart Association, fewer than half of Americans know that the 'better' fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can help reduce their risk of heart disease"

Mice Run Faster On High-grade Oil

Mice Run Faster On High-grade Oil:

"...research, to be presented on the 29th of June 2009 at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, has shown that mice fed for two weeks on a diet high in sunflower oil, which contains n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ran on average 0.19m/s faster than mice fed a diet rich in linseed oil, which is high in n-3 fatty acids.

This means that, over a 2 second sprint, a mouse fed on a high n-6 fatty acid diet would have a 0.4m advantage. This represents a 6.3% improvement which equals that achieved in the 100m world records over more than 75 years"

cross-posted on ParkandShop, RandomTopics2 and OleanCyclingClub

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter

Is it the salad or the dressing? Might want to hedge your bets ask for vinaigrette dressing! A win-win!

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter:(from Science Daily)

"Tomoo Kondo and colleagues note in the new study that vinegar has also been used as a folk medicine since ancient times. People have used it for a range of ills. Modern scientific research suggests that acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, may help control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and fat accumulation.

Their new study showed that laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet and given acetic acid developed significantly less body fat (up to 10 percent less) than other mice.

Importantly, the new research adds evidence to the belief that acetic acid fights fat by turning on genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes. The genes churn out proteins involved in breaking down fats, thus suppressing body fat accumulation in the body."

Healthy Begins Here: 8 Great Family-Friendly Foods that Help Fight Cancer

From WebMD. By Sheryl Crow.

Healthy Begins Here: 8 Great Family-Friendly Foods that Help Fight Cancer:

"I learned how to eat 'defensively.' I had never understood before how vital food was for protecting the body from sickness and disease. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, serious diseases that are linked to what we eat are the culprits in three out of four American deaths each year. And, recent research estimates that 35% of cancer deaths could be prevented through improved nutrition.

We truly are what we eat and what we put in our bodies matters to our long-term health."

She goes on to list 8 foods (or more realistically 8 categories of food) that might help you fight (or prevent?) cancer.

BBC NEWS | Health | Vegetarians 'avoid more cancers'

Yes lower rates of some cancers, but not across the board.

BBC NEWS | Health | Vegetarians 'avoid more cancers':

"researchers said they found marked differences between meat-eaters and vegetarians in the propensity to cancers of the lymph and the blood, with vegetarians just over half as likely to develop these forms of the disease.

In the case of multiple myeloma, a relatively rare cancer of the bone marrow, vegetarians were 75% less likely to develop the disease than meat-eaters....The reduction was less notable for fish-eaters with these cancers. The reasons, researchers said, were unclear, but potential mechanisms could include viruses and mutation-causing compounds in meat - or alternatively that vegetables confer special protection."

BUT

"...reduction for vegetarians was not found with cancers of the bowel, one of the most common forms of the disease. The vegetarians in the group in fact had a slightly higher rate of cancers of the colon and the rectum, although not significantly so. But the relative risk for fish-eaters and vegetarians of cervical cancer was twice that of meat-eaters."

Panel Recommends Ban on 2 Popular Painkillers - NYTimes.com

If you take acetaminophen, you better read this:

Panel Recommends Ban on 2 Popular Painkillers - NYTimes.com:

"...the committee voted 24 to 13 to recommend that the F.D.A. reduce the highest allowed dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325 milligrams, from 500. And members voted 21 to 16 to reduce the maximum daily dosage to less than 4,000 milligrams."

Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified

Exciting finding. COuld open many doors.

Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified:

"Identifying the receptor may allow researchers to design drugs that mimic the signal and could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases. This could enable us to reap the health benefits of calorie restriction without adhering to extreme diets in which the satisfying feel of a full stomach is strictly off limits"

Follow-up on our time study

I have gotten some comments on our time study we released on Saturday. So I did some checking on line and lest you think our study was biased and poorly done (hey I want you to be skeptical), check out the following old article from the Wall St. Journal.

It turns out our estimate of it taking over three times as long to shop at Wal Mart as at Park and Shop fits their findings pretty well:

Wal-Mart Sales Decline Is Worst in 28 Years - WSJ.com:

"The average Wal-Mart customer spends 21 minutes in the store per visit, but that customer finds only seven of the 10 items on his or her list, according to Chief Marketing Officer Stephen Quinn. ..

It isn't working for Julia Russ, though. The 42-year-old federal contract administrator in Grand Prairie, Texas, visited a Wal-Mart in her city four times last month for groceries, pet supplies, toiletries and paper goods. But she often finds the store crowded and hectic. 'The wait at checkout is getting longer all the time,' Ms. Russ said. 'I may lose patience and pay the difference for my time' to go elsewhere."

Oh and by the way, Stephen Quinn is the marketing officer for Wal-Mart. It is he who is saying 30% of time what you are looking for at Wal Mart is not there.

Time is Money!

We are all rushed. Time is your most valuable resource. Time is Money. We all know it. We have all heard the all true cliches. But sometime we forget.

How does this come up? Recently we conducted a study of how long it takes to shop our stores vs other stores in the area. The findings? Customers can get in and out of our stores MUCH faster than at our competition.

Consider the following:

Average time of shopping trip

Park and Shops
6 min 45 sec

Wal-Mart (Olean)
23 min 14 Sec

Tops (Olean)
19 min 40 Sec

Based on a study done by April-May 2009 N=25 or more for each store. Each was done at similar time of day for comparison purposes.


And remember this does not count the driving time nor the time walking to and from the car across large parking lots. So if that were included we'd be even faster!

Now I know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking something like:

"I can get in and out of the Park and Shops faster than that. They have short lines, I don't need to walk a mile through their parking lots, and everything is right there so I don't need to wade through tons of things I don't want to get what I do want." How can it take so long?"

So how was it so high? It turns out that 2 of the customers (remember we had this done and did not do it ourselves so they checked every customer) happened also to work for us and they spent a longer time in the store since they were talking to their co-workers. They each were in the store for well over fifteen minutes each. Throw them out at the average is closer to six minutes!

So the next time you find yourself thinking if only I had a little more time to spend with my family, or to watch your child's sporting event, or to garden, sleep, or anything else you want to do, remember that we can give you more time!

Dietary Fat Linked To Pancreatic Cancer

More reason to eat your veggies and watch your meat and dairy consumption.

Dietary Fat Linked To Pancreatic Cancer:

"High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study published online June 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

This study was undertaken because research relating fat intake to pancreatic cancer was inconclusive...."

Longer Life Linked To Specific Foods In Mediterranean Diet

An important look inside the so-called Mediterranean Diet.

The key take-away? Seems like it is the vegetable consumption driving the large benefits found in previous studies!

Longer Life Linked To Specific Foods In Mediterranean Diet:

"Some food groups in the Mediterranean diet are more important than others in promoting health and longer life according to new research published on the British Medical Journal website."

and later:

"The authors maintain that when high intake of vegetables, low intake of meat or moderate alcohol intake were excluded from the rating system, the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet were substantially reduced. They also note that there are clear benefits in combining several of the key components, for example high consumption of vegetables and olive oil.

Professor Trichopoulou, lead author of the study, concludes that the main reasons why the Mediterranean diet can lead to living longer are moderate consumption of ethanol (mostly in the form of wine during meals, as traditionally done in the Mediterranean countries), low consumption of meat and meat products, and high consumption of vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil and legumes.

"

H-E-B beats Wal-Mart in court on claim of big savings | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Mmm...HEB is one of the best grocery stores I have ever seen. They are mainly in Texas. This is from teh Houston Chronicle.

H-E-B beats Wal-Mart in court on claim of big savings | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"Wal-Mart Stores has pulled a national advertisement that says consumers can save $700 a year shopping at its stores after H-E-B challenged the ad and filed its objections with an industry group.

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus recommended that Wal-Mart stop making the claim."

and later:

"H-E-B also challenged a separate ad in which Wal-Mart claimed it had “unbeatable prices,”....The group recommended that Wal-Mart make the terms of how it matches prices more clear."

Eat well, live longer!

HealthDay:

"If you eat a healthy diet, you're likely to live longer.

It might be trite advice, but a new study offers proof that it can make a difference in your longevity.

Those with the best diets reduced their risk of death by up to 25 percent over a 10-year follow-up, said study author Ashima Kant, a professor of nutrition at Queens College of the City University of New York....The study is published in the July issue of The Journal of Nutrition."

and later in the same article:

"Good dietary habits may also help delay the progression of hardening of the arteries, according to a separate study published in the July issue of the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers from Tufts University and Wake Forest University evaluated the effect of a good diet on the progression of coronary artery disease in 224 postmenopausal women who had the disease when they enrolled in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Study. The better the diet, the slower the progression of disease, they found.

"Both studies are finding similar things," said Penny Kris-Etherton, a distinguished professor of nutrition at Penn State University, who wrote an editorial to accompany the atherosclerosis study.

"We're getting more and more evidence that diet [when poor] can play a key role in chronic disease development, progression and all-cause mortality," she said."

GoodGuide | Issues | High Fructose Corn Syrup

Have you checked out GoodGuide? It is "Good Stuff!" Definitely recommended!

For instance, take the following article on High Fructose Corn Syrup:

GoodGuide | Issues | High Fructose Corn Syrup:

"High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It is an ingredient commonly found in snack foods, breakfast cereals, salad dressings, sweetened beverages and the tomato sauce on your pasta dinner. HFCS is controversial, however there is research and evidence that suggest diets high in fructose may cause metabolic changes that lead to increased triglyceride levels and elevated uric acid levels.

.....Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, and excess weight is associated with heart disease and diabetes.

HFCS accounts for 10% of all calories in the overall U.S. diet, according to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, and closer to 20% in specific segments of the population including children."

Local History Article from the OTH

The Olean Times Herald has an interesting piece on Hinsdale. BE sure to check it out

"In the mid-1800s, Hinsdale was bigger than Olean,” Mrs. Dutton said.

According to the 1850 census, Hinsdale had a population of 1,302, a total of 403 more people than Olean.....The 1860 census indicated Hinsdale had a population of 1,708 people, a town still on the rise, Mrs. Dutton said."

and later:

"DUTCH HILL WAR: In June 1844, the only agrarian war to be fought in the history of Cattaraugus County was waged within the borders of Hinsdale, Mrs. Dutton said.

Agents of Holland Land Co. were looking to evict Jacob and George Learns, brothers who lived in Hinsdale, for defaulting on land payments, an undated news article from the time reported.

“The sheriff (George W. White) and six deputies began to remove the brothers’ belongings,” Mrs. Dutton said.

The seven men were surrounded by a mob of 150 farmers, some dressed as Indians, the article reads. The sheriff and his men retreated and Mr. White was beaten by the mob."

Cross-posted on ParkandShop.Blogspot.com and RandomTopics2.blogspot.com

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods on Yahoo! Health

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods on Yahoo! Health:

"Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories."

BTW here is the Penn State study. (I THINK)

Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com

If you are what you eat, shouldn't you know what you are eating? Check out NutritionData.com Very useful site, even if it is not the easiest to use.

For thousands of products it tells you the nutritional breakdown plus Glycemic Index rating and more.

Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com:

"On Nutrition Data, you'll find detailed nutrition information, plus unique analysis tools that tell you more about how foods affect your health and make it easier to choose healthy foods."

Recall: FDA: Some Zicam Cold Remedies May Affect Sense of Smell

FDA: Some Zicam Cold Remedies May Affect Sense of Smell:

"The FDA's warning only applies to the following Zicam products:

* Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
* Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs
* Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

'Consumers should stop using these products immediately and should discard or return them,' Deborah Autor, director of the FDA's Office of Compliance, said at a news conference. Autor notes that Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size is no longer on the market, but consumers shouldn't use the product if they still have it at home.

Zicam's maker -- Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. -- has voluntarily withdrawn Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel from the market, telling consumers to discard any of the affected products or request a refund by calling 877-942-2626 or visiting Zicam's web site"

Gout, the Ailment of Kings, Now Afflicts the Middle Class - NYTimes.com

More reason to watch what (and how much) you eat!

Gout, the Ailment of Kings, Now Afflicts the Middle Class - NYTimes.com: "

"Often called the “disease of kings” because of its association with the rich foods and copious alcohol once available only to aristocrats, gout is staging a middle-class comeback as American society grows older and heavier."

and later"

"Gout is caused by the buildup of a chemical called uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is formed by the breakdown of purines, which are components of DNA, RNA and some other important molecules in the body.

Some types of meat and fish, as well as beer, are particularly rich in purines and can raise the risk of gout. There is also evidence that sugary soft drinks raise the risk.

When uric acid levels get too high, the chemical can form needlelike crystals that accumulate in joints."

Don't cut your carrots too soon

mmm...moral? "Don't cut your carrots until they are cooked."

BBC NEWS | Health | Cancer boost from whole carrots:

"...anti-cancer properties of carrots are more potent if the vegetable is not cut up before cooking, research shows.

Scientists found 'boiled before cut' carrots contained 25% more of the anti-cancer compound falcarinol than those chopped up first."

Why?

"Lead researcher Dr Kirsten Brandt, from Newcastle University's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, said: "Chopping up your carrots increases the surface area so more of the nutrients leach out into the water while they are cooked.

"By keeping them whole and chopping them up afterwards you are locking in nutrients and the taste, so the carrot is better for you all round.""

Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It - NYTimes.com

I have wondered about this a great deal. Glad to see it finally get some press:

Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It - NYTimes.com:

"...some scientists, the question will not go away. No study, these critics say, has ever proved a causal relationship between moderate drinking and lower risk of death — only that the two often go together. It may be that moderate drinking is just something healthy people tend to do, not something that makes people healthy.

“The moderate drinkers tend to do everything right — they exercise, they don’t smoke, they eat right and they drink moderately,” said Kaye Middleton Fillmore, a retired sociologist from the University of California, San Francisco, who has criticized the research. “It’s very hard to disentangle all of that, and that’s a real problem.”"

fightbac.org: Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) - Fight Bac! Safe Food Handling and Food Safety Information

Good advice!
fightbac.org: Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) - Fight Bac! Safe Food Handling and Food Safety Information:

"Grillmasters: Do you have the right tools?

Keep your friends and family safe this grilling season by making sure food is cooked to a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.

You cannot determine if food is fully cooked just by looking at it. The only way to make sure food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature is to use a food thermometer.

Refer to the Heat it Up Chart for safe minimum internal temperatures"

Foods That Lower Cholesterol - Best Veggies, Meats, Fruits, and More

From WebMD: Foods That Lower Cholesterol - Best Veggies, Meats, Fruits, and More:

"Heart-healthy foods are essential to a heart-healthy diet.

If you want to eat a heart-healthy diet but are not sure what foods you should buy, check out this heart-healthy kitchen essentials guide. From fruits and vegetables to whole grain goodness, learn what foods to keep on hand."

Heart Attack on a Plate - AOL Hot Searches

Heart Attack on a Plate - AOL Hot Searches

How could ANYONE eat this stuff? Wow. And I was feeling bad about a peanut butter and banana sandwich.



Watch CBS Videos Online

New picnic tables in Allegany

The planters and bike racks are not done yet (supposedly Tuesday) but at least we now have picnic tables for our customers!

Here Ian is shown with them.

Come and enjoy! A great way to have lunch or fast dinner--call our deli(716-372-1402) and have your meal ready to pick up, then enjoy outside.

Calorie-Cutting Tricks from Web MD

Calorie-Cutting Tricks:

"Pump up the fiber. Eating plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes is a great way to feel satisfied on fewer calories. These foods are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which have been shown to lower your risk of cancer and heart disease."

No smoking: Historic vote could bring new limits - Yahoo! News

No smoking: Historic vote could bring new limits - Yahoo! News:

"The legislation, one of the most dramatic anti-smoking initiatives since the surgeon general's report, would give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the content, marketing and advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

'This legislation represents the strongest action Congress has ever taken to reduce tobacco use, the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,' declared Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids.

The 79-17 Senate vote sent the measure back to the House, which in April passed a similar but not identical version. House acceptance of the Senate bill would send it directly to Obama, who said Thursday that final passage 'will make history by giving the scientists and medical experts at the FDA the power to take sensible steps.'"

One Million Acts of Green

One Million Acts of Green:

"Below is a list of all our Acts of Green divided up by category. For more information on any act of green, or to mark it as completed, just click the title of the act and you'll be taken to a page with more details. And remember, just because it isn't on our list doesn't mean you can't do it!"

The ratings are interesting. For instance, did you know?

Home Recycling is rated "Very High" whereas adding insulation to hot water pipes is only a "medium". Even more reason we should all be recycling!

Sort of a trashy video on how to cut down on food waste

From Ideal Bite | Video Bite: Trash Talk